Internet without an ISP

[Semnae]

My ISP is giving me a headache, and I don't really think there's a better option.  Is there any way to connect to the internet on my own short of buying a satellite and sending it into space?

[zherok]

... Steal Wifi?

[Semnae]

Actually, that's not a bad idea.  Not really stealing it, but many places like starbucks offer free wifi.

[zherok]

Probably a fine solution for casual usage. I imagine the lack of control (with ports and so forth) would make it pretty poor for heavier usage though.

That, and having to hang out in Starbucks and McDonalds all day is probably less than ideal.

[Arveene]

My ISP is giving me a headache, and I don't really think there's a better option.  Is there any way to connect to the internet on my own short of buying a satellite and sending it into space?

Have a neighbor with an unsecure wifi connection?

[Xiong Chiamiov]

My ISP is giving me a headache, and I don't really think there's a better option.  Is there any way to connect to the internet on my own short of buying a satellite and sending it into space?

Have a neighbor with an unsecure wifi connection?

Ah, apartment complexes.  Sure, most people have some sort of encryption enabled, but I'm sure a few are using WEP.

[Arveene]

I found at least 4 unsecure wireless networks around my new place I'll be at in a few days. Linksys routers, and they're using the default admin password. How can you resist? 

[DaggerLite]

It's easy to block you out if someone notices something weird with their connection. In short, you need a service provider to connect to the internet. To get from one point to another, you connect through a series of machines, using cables or other equipment that someone ultimately "owns" the rights to.

Also, if you don't think there's a better option for you, I don't know why everyone is recommending that you connect to an unsecured wireless network. It's probably no better than yours. Better make sure your own network is secure first of all.

[Arveene]

Also, if you don't think there's a better option for you, I don't know why everyone is recommending that you connect to an unsecured wireless network. It's probably no better than yours. Better make sure your own network is secure first of all.

No one ever said it was a GOOD idea. If you absolutely must have internet at home without a line at your home, it's one of your only options.

[vuzedome]

There's a guide floating around torrents, I think its called 'Hacking Wireless Networks for Dummies', give it a read, a good way to past time as well.

[Xiong Chiamiov]

There's a guide floating around torrents, I think its called 'Hacking Wireless Networks for Dummies', give it a read, a good way to past time as well.

Eh, you just have to install Ubuntu.

[Arc-sama]

My ISP is giving me a headache, and I don't really think there's a better option.  Is there any way to connect to the internet on my own short of buying a satellite and sending it into space?

Have a neighbor with an unsecure wifi connection?

Ah, apartment complexes.  Sure, most people have some sort of encryption enabled, but I'm sure a few are using WEP.

Believe or not out of the 8 or so connection I can find in my area only 2 are encrypted and one doesn't transmit out to the net.  Now I'm down to zilch cos the neighbors upstair got kicked out.

[Xiong Chiamiov]

My ISP is giving me a headache, and I don't really think there's a better option.  Is there any way to connect to the internet on my own short of buying a satellite and sending it into space?

Have a neighbor with an unsecure wifi connection?

Ah, apartment complexes.  Sure, most people have some sort of encryption enabled, but I'm sure a few are using WEP.

Believe or not out of the 8 or so connection I can find in my area only 2 are encrypted and one doesn't transmit out to the net.  Now I'm down to zilch cos the neighbors upstair got kicked out.

I do believe it, actually.  Mine neighbors are all students at a primarily engineering university, though.   I can't expect them all to put 3rd-party firmware on their routers, but they at least add security and use lulzy SSIDs.

[bcr123]

I stuck my laptop in a backpack and took my dog for a walk a while back,
Over 30 wireless signals within a short walk from my house, about half were insecure.

You could lease the right-of-way then install a dedicated line and connect directly to a Tier1/Tier2 provider but that's a pretty expensive proposition.

[morrefule]

aircards are nice... But the limited bandwith sucks

Clear is AMAZING... But only advailible in certain US cities